Surgical device that creates a capsulorhexis during cataract surgery

Project Overview

Approximately 1.5 million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the United States and millions more throughout the world. The purpose of this project is to design a precise instrument that will be significantly more cost effective than the laser technique thus allowing for much broader access than is currently available withthe laser technique.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Molly Krohn, Kate Howell, Lisle Blackbourn, and Sean Heyrman

Images

A scanning electron microscope image of an edge cut using a phaco-tool. The edge is fairly smooth with no visible microtears.

A scanning electron microscope image of an edge cut using the commonly used continuous curvilinear capsularhexis (CCC) method. The edge is fairly smooth with no visible microtears.

Files

Midsemester Presentation (March 14, 2012)
Midsemester Paper (March 14, 2012)
Project Design Specifications (May 9, 2012)
Final Report (May 9, 2012)
Poster Presentation (May 9, 2012)

Contact Information

Team Members

Lisle Blackbourn - Team Leader
Molly Krohn - Communicator
Katharine Howell - BSAC
Sean Heyrman - BWIG

Advisor and Client

Prof. Paul Thompson - Advisor
Dr. Jon Gunther - Client